There is no question that image is key. I remember trying to help a frustrated attending physician find the nurse assigned to his patient. He wasn't even sure who was a registered nurse, let alone which one belonged to his patient. In days gone by, the presence of the traditional white cap and uniform assured physicians, patients and families who the nurse was.

While few nurses miss the white cap image, it is important to consider how we are viewed today. As our patient care teams have become more interdisciplinary, our patients are understandably struggling to keep up with who is who and what is what.

Given the historical legacy of nursing's positive public image and its high level of public trust and respect, our profession has good reason to guard and protect these assets.

How we look to the outside world is important. From the first day of clinical as a nursing student to the first day of employment and throughout our careers, the value of looking and acting professionally should never be underestimated.

Whatever the chosen symbols of our profession you prefer-the white lab coat, a stethoscope or a large-font "RN" on the nametag-it is critical that patients and families know that you are a registered nurse. It is the best way for us to make sure that the public's confidence in us continues and that our evolving role is understood.

What we say as nurses to the outside world is also important. Particularly as nursing garners more media attention, our public voice needs to be a positive and intelligent representation of our profession. Nursing also needs to speak for itself and not abdicate its voice to others whose interests are not always ours.

Nursing should continue to spotlight its best and brightest in the media today. The savvy hospital will center its public relations effort on the diverse and rich talents of its nursing staff.

What we do as nurses in our communities is also important. Being a nurse is what we become, it's not just a job. Perhaps one of the most compelling opportunities we have as nurses is to bring nursing into our schools and churches, and onto soccer fields and playfields.

Regardless of how you interact and contribute within your community, make sure everyone knows you are a nurse. Your ability to make nursing a reality for others ensures that interest in our profession will continue to grow.

Discuss this and other topics with your colleagues at www.nurseweek.com/rnvillage.